Matthew DeCarious Hayden was born October 11,1953 in Littleton, North Carolina. He was also known to his family and friends as "Hicks" or "Doc". Matthew graduated from Huguenot High School and attended J.S. Reynolds Community College for 2 years. He also served in the Navy and worked at C.F Sauers for over 22 years. He loved to watch football and wrestling with his ManMan (Tymil). He loved to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chocolate candy every day. Matthew was a peaceful person and loved when his grandchildren would visit him. It brightened his day every time. Matthew was a fighter to the very end when God called him home.

Matthew was predeceased by his parents, Connie Hayden and George Hayden.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving, caring, and devoted daughter, Deneatrice Alston-Shepherd; his son-in-law, Raheem Shepherd; five grandchildren, DeChante' Drayton, Jyi'Kayla Hayden, Tymil Williams (Malessha), Dacarious Hayden, and DaCaijah Hayden; five great-grandchildren, Malachi Drayton, Rashad Haskins Jr., A'lani Williams, Al 'Shae Hayden, and J'hana Thigpen; three sisters, Joy Pride (Kim), Connie Cook, and Shanel Parkes; and three brothers, Edwin Hayden (Thomasine), Barry Hayden and Daryl Hayden (Tomika).

His legacy also extends to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by his warmth and loving spirit.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where funeral services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12 noon.

The family requests that all attendees please wear blue, or a touch of blue, if possible, in honor of Mr. Hayden.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

View Funeral Webcast